Clusters in industrial ecosystems – new innovative trends in the development of post-war Ukraine

Abstract

The article discusses the importance of creating and developing clusters in the context of the digital economy and socio-ecological transformation. The main goal is to unite competencies and resources through common strategies and projects to increase the innovative potential of clusters and their participants. The article emphasizes the need to build and support industrial-technological partnerships worldwide as a key task for industrial clusters. The importance of developing the production sector and supporting one's own technological level for the development of the economy and ensuring national well-being, particularly in Ukraine, is also highlighted in the article.Different ways and motives are proposed for strategic partnerships between clusters, including cooperation in management training, identification of international innovations, exploration of new markets, and initiation of international scientific research projects.The need to create a professional management team of clusters was emphasized in times of digitalization, economic and socio-ecological transformation, as only clusters cover various areas of knowledge and will closely cooperate with other market participants. Moreover, increasing the innovation potential of clusters and their participants is becoming more and more important. This facilitates the pooling of competences and resources through joint strategies and joint projects.The importance of identifying structural gaps in industrial ecosystems to maximize the benefits of potential collaborations and promote innovative policies for upgrading business processes and equipment is considered. The geographical boundaries of the industrial ecosystem are determined by the interdependencies that connect organizations within its boundaries and new ties that strengthen beyond its boundaries. Industrial ecosystems are defined as multi-level production systems that include heterogeneous agents involved in value chains, as well as those who contribute to the realization of their potential and the country's productive capacity. The value chain can be divided into five main types of activities: inbound logistics, production, outbound logistics, marketing and sales, and after-sales services, and may also contain secondary or supporting activities that contribute to the effectiveness of the main activities. The article emphasizes that defining the real boundaries of industrial ecosystems is critical for governments interested in supporting them and transforming them into closed-loop innovation systems.